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4950-foot elevation. Dispersed campsites near Sand Springs, at the edge of the high desert. Site is mostly used by people with OHV vehicles. To the west of the campground is a large lava field, accessible on an unimproved Forest road. To the west is the Lavacicle Cave Geologic Area, which is a large cave with frozen lava stalagmites. This area is gated for safety, but you can request access at the Lava Lands Visitor Center. The campground also has trailhead access to the East Fort Rock OHV Trail which extends through Christmas Valley, winding around lava fields and other interesting formations. The trails are also open to mountain bikes, horses, and hikers, so share the trails!
Such a great place to camp, ride and watch. Always a good time! ... Unless you mess up yourself or your machine ;-)
Never a disappointment, this has been a family favorite spot since I was just a few years old. I'll be coming here until I can go anywhere anymore.
I have been coming to Sand Mountain and Little Sahara for over 30 years since I was a kid. Sand Mountain is where you prove your machine being king of the hill! Climbing this 700+ foot dune is best done with a turboed machine or high bore atv or motorcycle. Paddle wheels are optional but will give you the advantage over dirt tires.
If you want to avoid the crowds, come during the week or at least skip event weekends with sponsored racing or other organizations. Easter Weekend in particular tends to be extremely busy. Camping is open all year but flushing toilets and potable water are shut off during winter. Vault toilets are open year round. Food and merchandise vendors are often here on weekends with sponsored events or during peak spring and fall seasons.
Sand Mountain Campground lacks for trees or shade and can be pretty exposed to blowing sand and wind. Tent camping is therfore not recommend, besides the noise level of machines riding can go past midnight. Best to consider white sands or Oasis campground if you intend to tent camp and avoid the hum of generators and utvs/atvs.
Summer is usually the least bearable time to visit the dunes do to the inescapable heat and beating sun. Side by sides tend to run hot in the cab as is so best to avoid visiting during summer unless cooler weather is forecasted. Check weather for Delta, Utah ahead of your trip to get best idea of dune weather.
The dunes are great. A bit windy this weekend, but still nice. We come here often. Got some great pictures of super blue moon.
